Georgetown Waterfront

Photo of a park canopy overlooking the Georgetown Waterfront

Georgetown Waterfront

The Georgetown waterfront was originally a bustling tobacco port, a gritty place with wharves and rowdy taverns. After the Potomac River silted up, however, the tobacco trade dwindled and Georgetown’s economy required a new engine to drive it. This came in the form of mills constructed along the waterfront. You’ll see what has become of them on this walk. Other sites include:

- the little houses resided in by the waterfront's first European inhabitants

- the historic C & O Canal, a transportation route that stretches 185 miles to Cumberland, MD

- a panoramic view from the edge of the Potomac River to neighboring Virginia landmarks

- a tiny neighborhood once called “Brickyard Hill” that now boasts a luxury hotel constructed around a former trash incinerator

- former alley houses in an enclave known as Cherry Hill

 

"The guide was excellent and the walking pace was very good." - Goldstar reviewer

 

If you like this Washington walking tour, you might also like: Georgetown and Capitol Riverfront

Guides that may lead this tour: 
Portrait of Carolyn

CAROLYN attributes her devotion to walking tours to perambulations through her new hometown when she arrived to earn an M.F.A. in Acting from The Catholic University of America. She is the founder of Washington Walks.

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Portrait of David

DAVID traces his love of history to having grown up next to Old Bethpage Village Restoration, a recreated mid-19th century living history village on Long Island. He moved to the D.C. area in 2003 following a stint as a park ranger at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum in New York City.

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Portrait of Paul

PAUL is a journalist, history buff, actor, and former radio newscaster who has lived in the Washington area for 26 years and still discovers something new every week.

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When 

Available for private bookings.  Contact us at info@washingtonwalks.com for details.

 

 

Also available for private and group tour bookings. Please email info@washingtonwalks.com for more information.

Duration 
Approximately 2 hours
Reservations 
Reservations REQUIRED and limited to fifteen (15) participants.
Cost 

Email info@washingtonwalks.com for a private tour quote.

Where 
Meet at the little park located at the intersection of 28th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. (2772 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW--next to the Sandlot Georgetown beer garden)
Questions? Answers here.

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